Tolman: Belmore is a special place

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The Bulldogs will return to Belmore this weekend for the second time in four weeks and after a successful return against the Storm in round 16, the players are hoping for a similar experience against the Sharks.

The Bulldogs dominated the round 16 fixture against the Melbourne Storm and put in one of their better performances of the 2015 season.

The atmosphere was electric, the crowd was pumped and the action on the field was top notch.

“We played here a few weeks ago and the atmosphere was unbelievable,” said Tolman.

“The fans and members came out here and supported us and we put in a good performance, so hopefully we can back that up against the Sharks.”

Belmore has been the spiritual home ground for the Bulldogs for many years and to see NRL games back at the iconic venue is what all have been wanting to see.

“When you run out in front of 16,500 fans, and they’re expecting more this weekend, it’s such a great atmosphere.

“These sort of suburban grounds give you a great atmosphere, they hold the atmosphere and I am really looking forward to Sunday.”

The crowd of 16,764 in round 16 was officially a sell-out but it is expected to be bigger on Sunday as the Bulldogs look to squeeze in as many blue and white supporters for the venue's second and final match of the season.

The Storm jerseys were far and few between in round 16 and the players are hoping for a repeat on Sunday when the Sharks travel from the Shire.

“We want to build this as impenetrable for other teams that come here. It’s not easy to come to these suburban grounds when 99% of the crowd are Bulldogs fans.

“You saw last time when Josh Reynolds was up and warming up and the atmosphere just lifted.